Factors influencing attendance at cardiac rehabilitation among coronary heart disease patients.

OBJECTIVE: The current study examined predictors of, and reasons for, non-attendance at cardiac rehabilitation (CR) among coronary heart disease patients. METHODS: Measures of demographics, surgical procedures, cardiac risk factors, cardiac damage, and psychological variables (depression, trauma, anxiety and alexithymia) were obtained at baseline in 85 coronary heart disease patients, of whom 34 (40%) attended CR. Patients not attending CR reported reasons for their non-attendance. RESULTS: Men who had a sedentary lifestyle or were obese were significantly more likely to attend CR. Women were significantly more likely to attend CR if they had a partner. Patients reported numerous personal reasons for their non-attendance, some of which reflect a dislike of a group format. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the presence of obstacles to attendance and completion of CR that may differ for men and women. Innovative approaches are needed to encourage participation, including the development and evaluation of alternative formats of CR.